Best time/way to apply 'hoof black'?
For my AQHA shows, I'm planning on using hoof black/hoof polish but want it to look really clean and professional. What is the best way/time to apply on my horse? Thanks.
normaly a few minute before the show ring so the horse cant get his oof dirty and it also has a minute to dry
I make certain my horse is clean, and if I don't have a verbs surface, such as a cement aisle-way or grooming stall with rubber mats, i buy one of those cheap plastic place mats from wal-mart to put lower than the foot.
I pick the foot out, then wipe off with a dry towel or tablecloth. Then I take some fine steel wool and rub it over the surface of the hoof, then take a square of 220 grit sandpaper and weakly buff the surface of the hoof, wipe off the dust then apply the hoof black. Ted Turner does something very similar to this when he shows his horses and their hooves without doubt shine. Just remember to wipe off the hoof with a damp cloth until that time entering another class, or touch up the hoof black if it's needed.
Answers: You can use a small piece of cardboard under their hooves so that you can get adjectives the way to the tip of the hoof and it won't get all over. Make certain you let it dry all the way up to that time he moves. Also, you can use grooming chalk :
http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/d...
After this put on hoof shine spray so its shiny too!
Either way make sure the hoof is verbs and dry before you apply and the polish is dry before you go anywhere. Another appropriate tip is to use sand paper that isn't too harsh before you apply the polish so that the hoof looks smooth, lacking any bumps. It is easier if you do it 10-15 min before you go surrounded by the show ring so that it is dry, that way right before you go surrounded by the ring you can brush off any dirt that got on his hooves without messing up the polish. Also, be really discreet when you put it on so that you don't get it on your show clothes!
By the way, this is my favorite hoof polish:
http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/d...
a few minutes befor entering the ring or that morning of the show, works great! but if it is wet is comes off natural i think, so make sure your horses hooves are totally dry and verbs
I usually put hoof "polish" on right formerly I put the bridle on outside of the stall so it has a minute or two to dry. And then (if I'm not alone and own a groom, friend, etc) right before I go into the show arena (to clean the dirt bad of the hooves and apply the "polish"). Good luck!
